Are ancient writings unreliable because the Book of Jasher differs from the Bible?
Question: Just a comment for your consideration. Jasher Chapter 81 – here is an extract about Pharaoh. “And the Lord manifested to the children of Israel his wonders in Egypt and in the sea by the hand of Moses and Aaron. And when the children of Israel had entered the sea, the Egyptians came after…
Read MoreWere the Apocrypha books accepted as canon before the Council of Trent?
Question: Again I question your dates. You say that the Catholic Church added the “Apocryphal” books to the Bible in 1546 AD. I’m assuming you are talking about the Council of Trent, the Church’s response to the Reformation. You are correct in saying that the Church affirmed that the “Apocryphal” books are Scripture. However, you…
Read MoreCouldn’t the Flood have been a local flood?
Question: Hi, Just thought I’d point out that in the Old Testament, terms that seem to at first clearly speak of the entire earth actually refer to only a localized region, such as the Babylonian Empire for example. Daniel, for example, plainly says that Nebuchadnezzar was king of the entire earth, but we know now…
Read MorePeace of Mind
by Carey Scott Our lives are a mess. We have so much going on all the time that we seldom take a pause to reflect upon our lives and determine if we are capable of having peace in our souls. All the inventions that were supposed to make our lives easier have really only given…
Read MorePaul’s Tentmaking
by James Shewmaker I have come to the conclusion that a lot of people have a misunderstanding of Paul’s tentmaking. When Paul left Berea due to an “invasion” by Thessalonican enemies, his companions stayed behind. Those brethren who escorted him to Achaia returned home, leaving Paul all alone. At the time that Paul met Aquila…
Read MoreIs “indirect communications” wrong?
Question: I have a question about communication. What does God say about indirect communication? I recognize that some cultures in the world speak to each other indirectly and they sometimes or often may not tell a straight forward answer to a question asked by a direct communicator. It can seem as if the indirect person…
Read MoreI committed adultery and had a child. How do I hold on to my marriage and be responsible for the child I brought into this world?
Question: I have been reading some of the articles on your site and I couldn’t wait to post my question to you too. I am married with one child, the first and second years of our marriage life was so good. I love my wife very much. Things began to change after two years of…
Read MoreIs talking sexually through texting before marriage considered wrong?
Question: Is talking sexually through texting before marriage considered wrong? Answer: One of the mistakes the Pharisees made was to look at God’s laws so narrowly that they decided that only what was precisely mentioned was wrong. They understood that committing adultery was wrong, but they excused thinking about it. “You have heard that it…
Read MoreWhat happens if you already lost your virginity? Where do you fit in? Will you always be second-class?
Question: Hello, I have been reading around your site for a bit and I wanted to ask a question. My question is about pre-marital sex. I know and I understand that it is wrong and shouldn’t be done. But the thing is, I had oral sex just once. I know oral sex is wrong and…
Read MoreI applaud you on making the Bible’s teaching on salvation clear
Question: Just wanted to drop a note and applaud you on your web site for making it clear to people that the Bible is very plain about salvation. Baptism is not a very tough subject, but false teachers make it that way. I just wish people would understand the difference in the works of merit…
Read MoreI got addicted to pornography when I was younger. I don’t like the stuff, so how do I stop the temptation to look?
Question: Hello, I’m a young male, gone through puberty and the weird changes in your body. During that time I happened to come across pornographic material but later felt guilty about it. It is as if I like this stuff and don’t at the same time. What does this mean? I seem to have strange…
Read MoreDoes God hate anyone?
Question: Does God hate anyone? And if so, who? Answer: “These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And…
Read MoreWhy can’t one teach someone of the opposite gender?
Question: Where did the thought process of men teaching men and women teaching women come into play? Did Jesus ever discern a difference? Shouldn’t the need be met regardless of the person’s gender? I have never understood it when other Christians tell others that they shouldn’t study with someone of the opposite sex (understand you…
Read MoreThere’s No Security for the Believer in ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’
by Al Diestelkamp via Think on These Things, Volume 41, No. 1, Jan-Mar 2010 There is a belief in many Protestant churches, and especially popular among those who would describe themselves as “evangelicals,” known as the doctrine of “The Security of the Believer.” In Calvinism’s TULIP acronym, it is represented by the “P” for “Perseverance of…
Read MoreCan I divorce my husband because he refuses to be intimate with me?
Question: I am quite torn as to what to do. My first husband and I divorced because he was very abusive and repeatedly unfaithful. My second marriage is proving to be a nightmare as well. He is cold, cruel, and emotionally abusive. He has not slept in the same bed with me in two years…
Read MoreCan’t you fix your spelling mistakes?
Question: I do truly agree with and appreciate the sermon content of your scriptural exhortations on FaceBook. For the sake of many who will be influenced, I appeal to you to run all printed (and published) material through a spell check system which will also pick up on obscure sentences. The appearance of purposefully neglecting…
Read MoreI still worry about the unforgivable sin. What do I do?
Question: Again I have been worrying about the possibility of my having committed a sin that I can never be forgiven of. In Matthew 12 besides using the word “blasphemy,” it uses “speaks against” as well. If a person speaks anything bad about God, how can they be forgiven? What if there really is a…
Read MoreIsn’t the use of “conservative,” “non-institutional,” or “mainstream” to describe churches wrong?
Question: Since the “Church of Christ” is the only authorized name for the church, why do some take pride in calling it the “conservative church” or the “non-institutional church”? I also hear of the “mainstream church.” Is this not liberalism and denominationalism? Answer: First off, “church of Christ” is not the only name found in…
Read MoreWhy does Thayer say that “world” can mean “believers only?”
Question: I have a question regarding an entry in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon that is concerning the meaning of the word “world” in John 3:16 and other passages. I submit the following entry from the Lexicon: As one of the definitions for the Greek word kosmos for “world,” it gives the following: “8b) of believers only, John 1:29;…
Read MoreDoes Hebrews 8:4 damage the view that Jesus reigns on the earth?
Question: I wanted to ask you about one other scripture: Hebrews 8:4 states: “For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.” Would this verse not be a nail in the coffin of millennialists whether they be historical, pre, or…
Read MoreWe need encouragement to stay sexually pure
Question: My society frowns at early marriage and yet pretends not to notice the prevalence of premarital sex. I am 29, with a fiancee, and a Christian. I know the pressure, but God has been helpful. If I am allowed, I will marry, but we have to wait. Please, we need encouragement to stay sexually…
Read MoreYour pictures help with my presentations. Thanks!
Question: Thank you so very much for providing these Bible pictures. I teach a Bible study using PowerPoint. Today’s generation is very visual. Incorporating pictures really helps. God bless you. Answer: You’re welcome. Actually past generations were visual as well. We had felt boards, models, and other visual aids to help children picture the events. It is only the medium…
Read MoreI enjoyed your study on the Song of Songs
Question: Just a note to say that I read your study on the Song of Songs and really enjoyed it. Answer: I appreciate you letting me know.
Read MoreDoes your timeline for Roman Catholic beliefs have some errors?
Question: Hi, I read your web page on why some Catholic teachings are wrong. I would like to point out some of what I think are fallacies of your argument and I’d appreciate a response. Starting with your timeline: Priests Early 2nd Century – Separation of clergy and laity, this also goes with your argument that…
Read MoreWho are “them” in Hebrews 4:2?
Question: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). Who is the “as well as unto them” in this verse? Is this talking about the children of Israel in the wilderness? Answer: “Now with whom…
Read MoreI found just the sermon I was looking for
Question: Hello, While searching the web I came across your web site. I was looking for something on the subject of Good Men Doing Nothing. Your sermon on that subject was just what I wanted. I can’t thank you enough. Your web site is a very good one. I know as my husband is the webmaster…
Read MoreDid the Old Law not end until the destruction of Jerusalem?
Question: In your lesson, “The Sermon on the Mount: The Law,” you keep to the literal meaning of Heaven and Earth in Matthew 5:18. Additionally, you argue the best understanding of the passage is to read the two “until” phrases be joined with an “or” rather than an “and.” I am currently studying with a…
Read MoreShouldn’t the church be a social organization to draw people to Christ?
Question: I say all this with the utmost respect. I read your opening statement about all the things you don’t have. I very much appreciate a church (a body) that wishes to follow the pattern of the first-century church. I agree with your purpose and what God has to offer us is so much more than…
Read MoreWhat is the meaning of Hephzibah and Beulah?
Question: What is the meaning of Hephzibah and the meaning of Beulah? Answer: “You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married” (Isaiah 62:4). Hephzibah means…
Read MoreShould I heed the words of a prophet in regard to who I marry?
Question: Good day. I found your web site after I googled the phrase ‘prophets telling you whom to marry’. I was rather intrigued by the answers I found on your web site and decided to send you an email to ask for your advice. I have been going out with a young man for six years. That…
Read MoreShould I stop talking to my mother?
Question: Greetings to you, I have been struggling with something for years. A bond between me and my parents that I really don’t wish on anybody. My parents have been divorced for almost 40 years. I used to adore my dad and hate my mom for things that she has done – like kissing other…
Read MoreI appreciate the pictures you provide
Question: Praise God! I am very appreciative of your web site. It is very helpful for me in painting events from the Bible era, Jesus, and the disciples. My talent is painting, and I have been practicing painting, but it is hard to express their emotions and scenery. But now I can paint by referring…
Read MoreHow do I decide who is right about head covering?
Question: I did not realize the churches of Christ practice head covering. The church of Christ in my area doesn’t. I am a Christian, and I attend a Baptist church. I have been saved for five years. As I have read the Bible, this is one issue that truly has me confused. I have talked to…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be a fornicator?
Question: What does it mean to be a fornicator? Does it mean, “I committed it today, but I won’t tomorrow,” but doing it the next day anyway? If repentance is changing habits, then such a person remains as a fornicator and is a fallen brother or sister. That person can’t keep on being called a Christian. Or can…
Read MoreThe New Testament Pattern of Giving
by Wayne Jackson It is a strange phenomenon in today’s church. It is recognized widely that there are rules regulating worship. This is acknowledged in virtually every area of church activity—except in one’s “giving.” Many know how the music portion of the worship is to be conducted (with a cappella singing). Not a few understand the proper…
Read MoreMarriage Covenants
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/MarriageCovenants.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 5:22-33 I. We’ve all talked about the changes in society we have seen during our lives A. One aspect is the rapid change in people’s view of marriage B. The number of divorces has sky-rocketed. 1. Marriages today can be terminated just because one person wants to end the marriage. No…
Read MoreDo I go to my brother’s birthday party? He fell away from Christ years ago
Question: My fiancee and I were having a discussion that got kind of heated. I let it go too far, and I realized I had issues in certain areas of my life with my oldest brother, who has turned away from God for the past 15 or so years. It was more that I was…
Read MoreShould I apologize or move on?
Question: I’m 19 and I was in a relationship with a girl. I love her so much, but I do not know if she is the right girl for me. I believed that God sent me this girl because no matter what happened, we stayed together for more a year now. Last night we broke…
Read MoreDid Cornelius need to work before or after his salvation?
Question: Hello, I just wanted to say thank you for the sermons you provide online. I actually came across your web site this evening as I was searching for resources on Cornelius and his salvation, as I think his life greatly parallels many in today’s culture. I do have an inquiry from the 15th paragraph, which…
Read MoreMore Important Than Myself
by Greg Litmer via That Ye May Grow Thereby. If I can learn to truly regard others “as more important” than myself (Philippians 2:3), then I will have to take a giant step toward living day by day as a faithful child of God. I struggle with this concept in some aspects and don’t struggle with…
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